NCJ Number
221283
Date Published
February 2002
Length
63 pages
Annotation
Findings are presented of an evaluation of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency's (PCCD's) Communities that Care (CTC) Delinquency Prevention Initiative in Pennsylvania.
Abstract
Highlights of the evaluation findings are organized around three goals. The first goal was to develop a proactive model of partnership with the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) and Communities that Care (CTC) sites to develop a useful and responsive model of evaluation. The action research goal of the ongoing feedback on the evaluation was primarily met by early reporting of qualitative findings to PCCD throughout the evaluation process. The second goal was to provide an evaluation of the phases of early implementation, CTC process, and sustainability. Results indicate that (1) training is positively linked with participant attitudes and knowledge, and with internal functioning of the CTC coalition, (2) local leaders in CTC sites where there are more difficulties tend to report a need for more technical assistance, and (3) community readiness is highly related to both the quality of the communication and functioning of the CTC Prevention Board. The third goal was to develop a conceptual and statistical plan for long-term evaluation/outcome of CTC. Results indicate that delinquency rates went up by a nonsignificant 5 percent upon the start of CTC, followed by a 6 percent decline per year. In addition, regarding rates of teen pregnancy, child abuse, and poverty (Free and Reduced Lunch), there were no significant patterns of change in these outcomes as a result of CTC. As a result of this evaluation, numerous changes have been made in the Pennsylvania CTC process. This evaluation of the CTC Delinquency Prevention Initiative focused on the first three cohorts or cycles of CTC communities. Cycle 1 was comprised of nine counties, cycle 2 included six counties, and cycle 3 included six counties.